Tim Duncan picked up a $5 million contract option, but it doesn’t mean he’s definitely returning to the NBA

The San Antonio Spurs may have gotten a boost Wednesday as Tim
Duncan picked up his $5.6 million player option for the 2016-2017
season.

However, the move doesn't necessarily mean that Duncan will play
next year.

June 29 was the deadline for Duncan to pick up his option. If he
hadn't, he would have become a free agent. By picking up the
option, Duncan ensures he has a place to return (and on a
reasonable deal) if he decides to play next season, but it also
gives him more time to think.

According to Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski, this offseason
is "the most seriously [Duncan has] considered
retirement." A legend and a surefire Hall of Famer,
Duncan is still an imposing presence but he's starting to show
that his time in the NBA might be coming to an end.

The Spurs and their fans might want to exercise caution
when it comes to expecting Duncan to come back this season. Last
season, he averaged eight points and seven rebounds per
game, well below his career averages of 19 points and 11 rebounds
per game.

Tim Duncan has been the heart and soul of the San Antonio
Spurs for nearly 20 years, so anyone would miss him if he were to
hang it up for good. However, the Spurs have enjoyed unparalleled
regular-season success, making the playoffs in each of the 19
seasons in which Duncan has played, and the future looks just as
bright for the team.